Fan Splitter in Bios
- Thread starter FileKid
- Start date
- Feb 22, 2015
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According to your motherboard's manual (page 21), the 4-pin SYSFAN1 header has PWM functions (it's 2nd pin having constant +12V, it's 3rd pin having Sense/Tachometer Reading, and it's 4th pin for Speed Control/PWM), while the 3-pin SYSFAN2 header is a full +12VDC with no PWM function (it's 2nd pin with constant +12V, while it's 3rd pin has No Use/No Connection).
This means that the fans plugged in the 4-pin SYSFAN1 header, via a PWM splitter (4-pin and not 3-pin splitter), may still be controlled AND monitored via BIOS. On the other hand, the fans plugged in the 3-pin SYSFAN2 header, via a splitter or not, will run at full speed 24/7 with no control OR monitoring (due to the lack of 3rd pin connection).
So, fans plugged in the 3-pin header is synonymous to plugging the same fans directly via the PSU's molex +12V power (no speed control or reading).
This means that the fans plugged in the 4-pin SYSFAN1 header, via a PWM splitter (4-pin and not 3-pin splitter), may still be controlled AND monitored via BIOS. On the other hand, the fans plugged in the 3-pin SYSFAN2 header, via a splitter or not, will run at full speed 24/7 with no control OR monitoring (due to the lack of 3rd pin connection).
So, fans plugged in the 3-pin header is synonymous to plugging the same fans directly via the PSU's molex +12V power (no speed control or reading).
raisinjohn gave a good explanation for what the two SYS_FAN headers can and cannot do. That should help OP. But the final answer is NOT "No". It is more like: there are a few ways to do what you want, but we need more info from OP to tell what. There are limits on how many fans one can connect to a single mobo fan header. There are also details of matching the header capability to the fan type.
OP, please tell us the maker and exact model number of the fans you want to use. Then we can advise how to do that, or what to change. I can tell you right now, if you have not already purchased your fans, that doing this will be much easier if you buy only 4-pin fans, because your mobo's SYS_FAN1 header cannot control 3-pin fans. Further, to get 4 fans connected MAY require using a Hub, not a simple Splitter, and that device ONLY works with 4-pin fan systems. So give us that info and we can tell you exactly how to do what you want.
OP, please tell us the maker and exact model number of the fans you want to use. Then we can advise how to do that, or what to change. I can tell you right now, if you have not already purchased your fans, that doing this will be much easier if you buy only 4-pin fans, because your mobo's SYS_FAN1 header cannot control 3-pin fans. Further, to get 4 fans connected MAY require using a Hub, not a simple Splitter, and that device ONLY works with 4-pin fan systems. So give us that info and we can tell you exactly how to do what you want.
- Oct 6, 2014
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If you wish to controll the 3 pin fans and have a 5.25 external bay then get this the same one I use.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B005C31G30/?tag=pcpapi-20
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B005C31G30/?tag=pcpapi-20
A comparison of the several models in the F12 family
F12 is a 3-pin fan (requires Voltage Control Mode) consuming 0.24 A current to deliver 53 CFM airflow, generating noise of 0.3 sones. The conversion to the commonly-used dB(A) units of noise is NOT technically possible because they are very different measurements, but VERY roughly 0.3 sones is a low-20's value in dB(A).
F12 Silent runs much slower, consuming 0.7 amps to deliver 37 CFM and noise of 0.08 sones.
F12TC comes with its own temperature sensor that you must place somewhere to sense a temperature that controls the fan speed. Do not use this if you plan to use a mobo's automatic fan control feature from a fan header. This fan performs exactly as a plain F12, but with the self-control feature added.
F12 PWM is the F12 model in performance, but using PWM control rather than Voltage Control Mode.
F12 PWM PST is the F12 PWM fan with an added second male fan connector in parallel on the wiring, so you can use it as a 2-output 4-pin fan Splitter and connect another PWM fan to the same mobo header.
F12 PWM PST CO is the F12 PWM PST fan with a different more durable bearing system for long life on fans that will be running continuously.
F12 Pro is similar to the F12 3-pin fan, but runs a little faster using less current and includes a mounting system to reduce vibration. However, its noise rating is the same. Oddly, its specs do not include the airflow. There are related models with the TC, PWM and PWM PST feature sets.
I could not find any mention of the specific warranty period covering those Arctic fans.
For comparison, here are a couple of specs for relevant Noctua fans. It is often said that Noctua units are quiet and last a long time (warranty 6 years), delivering higher airflows than many competitors.
The Noctua NF-12SA FLX is designed for top airflow against minimal backpressure, suitable for general case ventilation. It is a 3-pin fan (requires Voltage Control Mode) consuming 0.12A at max speed to deliver 63 CFM airflow, generating 17 dB(A) noise.
The related NF-S12A PWM model is a 4-pin fan (PWM Mode control) with the same performance specs.
On one popular website, the Noctua fans are priced more than twice the price of Arctic Cooling fans. That's one of the notable things about Noctua's units - they are very good, but more expensive. Whether you think they are worth it is up to you.
As I said earlier, you should get 4-pin fans, and only the SYS_FAN1 header can control them. Using Splitters to combine four fans onto one header is a marginal gamble for SOME fans. The Arctic Cooler units consume 0.24 amps each, and a mobo header can provide 1.0 amps max. That's really close to the limit. To be safer you should use a 4-pin fan HUB like this
https://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16812423165&cm_re=Coboc_fan_splitter-_-12-423-165-_-Product
This only works with 4-pin fan systems, but it gets all fan power from the PSU, avoiding the limit of the mobo header.
Alternatively, if you buy four other fans of the PWM type that use less current each (Noctuas above as examples), four of them on one mobo header is acceptable. Then to connect you buy a simple SPLITTER (NOT hub) like this
https://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?item=N82E16882422016
It has NO connection to the PSU and all power domes from the mobo header. HOWEVER, that Splitter happens to be more expensive than the Hub above, and the Hub actually will do the job, so it's a better choice even if you don't need the extra amps.
F12 is a 3-pin fan (requires Voltage Control Mode) consuming 0.24 A current to deliver 53 CFM airflow, generating noise of 0.3 sones. The conversion to the commonly-used dB(A) units of noise is NOT technically possible because they are very different measurements, but VERY roughly 0.3 sones is a low-20's value in dB(A).
F12 Silent runs much slower, consuming 0.7 amps to deliver 37 CFM and noise of 0.08 sones.
F12TC comes with its own temperature sensor that you must place somewhere to sense a temperature that controls the fan speed. Do not use this if you plan to use a mobo's automatic fan control feature from a fan header. This fan performs exactly as a plain F12, but with the self-control feature added.
F12 PWM is the F12 model in performance, but using PWM control rather than Voltage Control Mode.
F12 PWM PST is the F12 PWM fan with an added second male fan connector in parallel on the wiring, so you can use it as a 2-output 4-pin fan Splitter and connect another PWM fan to the same mobo header.
F12 PWM PST CO is the F12 PWM PST fan with a different more durable bearing system for long life on fans that will be running continuously.
F12 Pro is similar to the F12 3-pin fan, but runs a little faster using less current and includes a mounting system to reduce vibration. However, its noise rating is the same. Oddly, its specs do not include the airflow. There are related models with the TC, PWM and PWM PST feature sets.
I could not find any mention of the specific warranty period covering those Arctic fans.
For comparison, here are a couple of specs for relevant Noctua fans. It is often said that Noctua units are quiet and last a long time (warranty 6 years), delivering higher airflows than many competitors.
The Noctua NF-12SA FLX is designed for top airflow against minimal backpressure, suitable for general case ventilation. It is a 3-pin fan (requires Voltage Control Mode) consuming 0.12A at max speed to deliver 63 CFM airflow, generating 17 dB(A) noise.
The related NF-S12A PWM model is a 4-pin fan (PWM Mode control) with the same performance specs.
On one popular website, the Noctua fans are priced more than twice the price of Arctic Cooling fans. That's one of the notable things about Noctua's units - they are very good, but more expensive. Whether you think they are worth it is up to you.
As I said earlier, you should get 4-pin fans, and only the SYS_FAN1 header can control them. Using Splitters to combine four fans onto one header is a marginal gamble for SOME fans. The Arctic Cooler units consume 0.24 amps each, and a mobo header can provide 1.0 amps max. That's really close to the limit. To be safer you should use a 4-pin fan HUB like this
https://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16812423165&cm_re=Coboc_fan_splitter-_-12-423-165-_-Product
This only works with 4-pin fan systems, but it gets all fan power from the PSU, avoiding the limit of the mobo header.
Alternatively, if you buy four other fans of the PWM type that use less current each (Noctuas above as examples), four of them on one mobo header is acceptable. Then to connect you buy a simple SPLITTER (NOT hub) like this
https://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?item=N82E16882422016
It has NO connection to the PSU and all power domes from the mobo header. HOWEVER, that Splitter happens to be more expensive than the Hub above, and the Hub actually will do the job, so it's a better choice even if you don't need the extra amps.
OfficialG3
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- Sep 7, 2014
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- 4,760
in theory you can, but they will be on parallel, which means 1 fan header will control all the fans connected to it, and they will all run with the same speed and it cant control them independently, also that could mean you could hit the motherboard fan header max output which i think is around 2 amps, nothing really bad will happen, only your fans will run slower.
also with the 4 pin 3 pin thing is that 4 pin controls speed with digital , and 3 pins (i think) use voltage control or pwm, but it doesnt really matter for the OP, one thing to keep in mind is im pretty sure you wont be able to check the fan rpm (or atleast know it accurately) from the bios anymore
however if you want full control of your fans i suggest buying a 5 inch bay fan controllers
also with the 4 pin 3 pin thing is that 4 pin controls speed with digital , and 3 pins (i think) use voltage control or pwm, but it doesnt really matter for the OP, one thing to keep in mind is im pretty sure you wont be able to check the fan rpm (or atleast know it accurately) from the bios anymore
however if you want full control of your fans i suggest buying a 5 inch bay fan controllers
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